Bridge-aid device



Dec. 17, 1968 v. T. CIANO BRIDGE-AID DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 22, 1965 Mme/v70? w/vc EN? r. (MA/o FIG. 5

a um-1 Dec. 17, 1968 v. T. CIANO 3,416,794

BRIDGE-AID DEVICE Filed 0a.. 22, 196-5 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 6

FIG. 7

INVENTOR. V/A/(E/W' z (/4/V0 ,4 rramva y;

United States Patent 3,416,794 BRIDGE-AID DEVICE Vincent T. Ciano, 397 6th Ave., Troy, N.Y.

Filed Oct. 22, 1965, Ser. No. 501,926 8 Claims. (Cl. 27324) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to bridge-aid devices for game cues such as those used in the games of billiards and pool.

A technique fundamental to the playing of games utilizing playing cues such as the games of billiards and pool, and probably the most difiicult technique to learn and master, is the proper support of the game cue when attempting a shot or, as it is commonly called, the formation of a bridge. The game cue must be held tightly enough by the player so as to prevent lateral movement of the cue, which might destroy his aim, when he is causing it to move towards the cue ball and especially at the moment of its impact with the ball, yet it must be held in such a manner so as to permit it to move smoothly in unimpeded fashion towards the ball. While it is diflicult to manually contain and control a game cue having a uniform diameter, it is apparent that the difliculty is greatly increased when the conventional tapered game one is used. Furthermore, the flesh of the players hand is not the ideal sliding surface for a cue, and when the players hand is damp, as with perspiration, it becomes exceedingly difficult to give the cue a smooth ride towards the ball. These difliculties not only detract from the enjoyment which a beginner would ordinarily receive from playing, but also retard his progress in the development of his skill in other facets of these games.

Various devices have heretofore been proposed as bridge-aids for use in games such as billiards and pool. Some of these devices, being designed solely for the purpose of providing a smooth bearing surface for the game cue as a substitute for the players hand, employ only tubes or cylinders as cue receiving members. Such devices, while being adaptable for laterally containing a cue having a pre-specified uniform diameter, are particularly unsuitable for containing a cue having a tapered configuration.

Others of these proposed devices were intended to be used as supporting aids for bridging obstacles which would otherwise be in the way of the cue, and as such are provided with'suitable supporting structures. Those devices do not, however, completely meet the problem with which the instant invention is concerned.

It is an object of this invention, therefore, to provide a device for use in games such as billiards and pool which will enable the player, even a beginner, to properly support and control the game cue when attempting a shot.

It is a more particular object of this invention to provide a bridge-aid device which is capable of being used in conjunction with a variety of game cues regardless of their shank diameters but especially with those having tapered configurations and which will effectively prevent lateral movement, both angular and radial, of the game one with which it is used while simultaneously promoting smooth unimpeded axial movement of the cue towards the cue ball.

It is still another object of this invention to provide 3,416,794 Patented Dec. 17, 1968 such a bridge-aid device having alternative supporting means, whereby the device must be held in a manner similar to that which would have to be used to support and position a game cue without the benefit of aiding devices, thereby enabling the beginner to develop his skill in using the cue while, at the same time, allowing him to receive the full enjoyment which a more experienced and skilled player would receive from playing.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a device which is simple in construction and hence can be easily and inexpensively manufactured, which is light in weight and durable, and which can be conveniently and comfortably carried about on the person of the player at all times when not in use.

These and other objects, features and advantages will be made apparent during the course of the following description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing which forms a part of the specification.

Briefly and generally, the invention comprises a resilient split ring member adapted to receive, at least partially encircle and lightly contact in laterally restraining engagement the shank portion of a conventional game cue.

Supporting means suitably secured to the split ring member is provided whereby the player can manually position the split ring member and game cue when attempting a shot.

When a conventional game cue, for example one having a tapered configuration, is inserted through the split ring member, lateral movement, that is both angular and radial movement of the cue will be restrained by said member and, at the same time, said split ring member will provide a more ideal bearing surface for the one as a replacement for the players hand thereby promoting smooth unimpeded axial movement of the cue towards the cue ball.

Having briefly described the invention, a more detailed description is made by reference to two typical embodiments of the invention shown for illustrative purposes in the drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the invention, with a conventional game cue in position;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the embodi ment of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a transverse vertical section therethrough, taken on the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a transverse vertical section therethrough, taken on the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2, with a game cue in position;

FIGURE 5 is a longitudinal vertical section therethrough, taken on the line 5-5 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 7 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG- URE 6; and

FIGURE 8 is an end elevational view in perspective of the embodiment of FIGURE 6.

Turning in detail to the accompanying drawing wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts in the several figures, the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGURES 1-5 is designated generally by the numeral 10. Illustratively shown in FIGURES 1, 4 and 5 is a conventional tapered game cue 16 in position for use, although the invention has equal applicability with any type of cue.

The embodiment of FIGURES 15 comprises a sleeve member 11, and a resilient split ring member 12. Sleeve member 11, which may be cylindrical in shape as shown in the drawing, is to be made from any hard rigid material, such as aluminum, and has a diameter which is greater than the largest diameter of the shank portions of any of the conventional game cues in use. Sleeve member 11 should also be short enough for the device to be conveniently carried about by the player in his pocket when not in use. However, the diameter of the sleeve member should be small enough, and its length sufficiently long for the player to comfortably position his fingers in the same manner as he would if he were attempting to support the cue itself without the aid of the device. A cylinder having, for example, an outer diameter of inch and a length of 3 inches would satisfy these requirements.

Split ring member 12 is essentially a resilient material, illustratively 1 inch in length, which has been laterally bent so as to take on a split ring configuration with its two lateral edges 13 and 14 lying in juxtaposition when the spring is unextended to define a longitudinal split. Split ring member 12 is longitudinally joined to the interior wall of sleeve member 11 by any suitable means, in this instance by welding (shown at 15). Split ring member 12 is joined to the sleeve at points diametrically opposed to the split defined by its two edges 13 and 14. A pair of symmetrical upwardly extending arcuate restraining arms 12a and 12b are thus formed which serve to laterally contain the game cue when the latter is in position (FIGURES 4 and and being directed towards the cue ball. As can be seen, member 12 is eccentrically positioned within sleeve 11 and therefore restraining arms 12a and 12b have room to move outwardly when a cue is inserted therethrough.

lfn order to restrain lateral movement of a standard sized tapered game cue while at the same time promote smooth unimpeded axial movement of the cue, split ring member 12 should have an unextended diameter on the order of /2 inch and should be made of 5000 spring steel having a thickness on the order ,6 inch or some equivalent resilient material. The surface characteristics of the material should be such as to provide a smooth bearing surface for the cue.

A second illustrative embodiment is shown in FIG- URES 6-8 and is indicated generally at 17. Device 17, while employing different supporting means, is in all other respects identical to the first embodiment described above and illustrated in FIGURES 1-5.

A split ring member 18 is provided for receiving and laterally restraining a standard sized conventional tapered game cue. Member 18 is essentially a length of resilient material, preferably 5000 spring steel with a thickness on the order of inch, which has been shaped so as to take on a split ring configuration having an unextended diameter on the order of /2 inch.

A resilient supporting member 19 is secured to split ring member 18 at points diametrically opposed to the longitudinal split defined by its two lateral edges 20 and 21, illustratively by welding. A pair of upwardly extending generally symmetrical arcuate restraining arms 18a and 18b are thus formed.

Supporting member 19 is intended to he slipped onto a finger of the players supporting hand, preferably the thumb, and as much is an a-rcuately shaped leaf spring having a pair of resilient arcuate legs 22 and 23. Supporting member 19 is disposed with legs 22 and 23 projecting away from split ring member 18 and is adapted to fit around and tightly grip a finger of the players supporitng hand whereby the player has four fingers free to bridge obstacles while utilizing his supporting finger to properly position the cue. The diameter of member 19 should be on the order of inch when designed for gripping the players thumb.

It has been found that the device of FIGURES 6-8 can be more comfortably and easily utilized to position the cue if split ring member 18 is horizontally angularly positioned with respect to supporting member 19. Hence, split ring member 18 is illustratively positioned with its far end 24 directed inwardly towards the remaining fingers of the players supporting hand so that its longitudinal axis and that of arcuate supporting member 19 illustratively form approximately a 20 angle. It is to be understood, however, that split ring member 18 need not be angularly positioned with respect to supporting member 19 in order for the device to function according to the invention.

The device as illustrated in the drawing is to be used by a right-handed person who will support the one with his left hand. By merely reversing the angular positions of the two members, the device can be adapted for use by a left-handed person.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1-5 according to the invention is to be used in the following manner. Sleeve member 11 should be rotated until restraining arms 12a and 1212 are extending upwardly as shown in FIG- URE 3. While maintaining the device in this position, the sleeve should be gripped by the player substantially as he would grip the cue if he were attempting a shot without the aid of the device, the only difference being that the sleeve is to be gripped tightly so as to prevent it from moving. The cue is then inserted through sleeve 11 and split ring member 12 (FIGURES l, 4 and 5). With the device positioned as shown in the drawing and described above, it can be seen that as the one is moved towards the cue ball, its taper will cause each of restraining arms 12a and 12b to move outwardly in the lateral direction an equal distance thereby offsetting one another. The result is that the one is retained in its original course resulting in repeatedly accurate shot making.

The device of FIGURES 68 is to be used as follows. Arcuate supporting member 19 is to he slipped onto an appropriate finger of the players supporting hand, preferably the thumb, whereupon the finger is tightly gripped by resilient legs 22 and 23. The game cue is then inserted through slit ring member 18. The player is then free to use his remaining fingers to bridge obstacles while using his supporting finger to position and aim the cue. Thereafter, the second embodiment functions in the identical fashion as the first.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific elements, steps, methods, compositions, combinations and arrangements shown and described, but departure may be made therefrom within the scope of the accompanying claims without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

What is claimed is:

1. A bridge-aid device for game cues comprising (a) a sleeve member and (b) a resilient split ring member positioned within and suitably joined to the interior wall of said sleeve member,

said split ring member being adapted to at least partially encircle and lightly contact the shank portion of a game cue, especially one having a tapered configuration, whereby angular and radial movement of said cue is restrained and, simultaneously, smooth unimpeded axial movement of said one is promoted.

2. A bridge-aid device as described in claim 1, wherein said split ring member is disposed with its split diametrically opposed to its joint with said sleeve member.

3. A bridge-aid device as described in claim 1, wherein said split ring member is disposed so as to define a pair of symmetrically arcuate lateral restraining arms.

-4. A birde-aid device for use in games of the type requiring the accurate striking of a ball with a cue, especially one having a tapered configuration, comprising a sleeve for the player to grip in supporting and positioning said cue prior to and while striking said ball, said sleeve being provided with an interiorly positioned resilient bearing member extending along substantially its entire length, said bearing member being adapted to at least partially encircle and lightly contact the shank of said one to restrain angular and radial movement of said cue while promoting its smooth unimpeded axial movement through said sleeve.

5. A bridge-aid device as described in claim 4, said resilient bearing member having .a pair of symmetrically arcuate lateral restraining arms.

6. A bride-aid device for use in games of the type requiring the accurate striking of a ball with a cue, especially one having a tapered configuration, comprising a sleeve for the player to grip in supporting and positioning said cue prior to and while striking the ball, said sleeve beink provided with an interiorly positioned bearing member having a pair of arcuate lateral restraining arms which are resiliently movable relative to one another and are adapted to at least partially encircle and lightly contact the shank of said cue to restrain angular and radial movement of said cue While promoting its smooth unimpeded axial movement hrough said sleeve.

7. A bridge-aid device .as described in claim 6, said lateral restraining arms being identical in structure.

8. A bridge-aid device for use in games of the type requiring the accurate striking of a ball with a cue, especially one having a tapered configuration, comprising a leaf spring bearing member having a semi-cylindrical split ring configuration adapted to at least partially encircle and lightly contact the shank of said cue to restrain angular and radial movement of said cue While promoting its smooth unimpeded axial movement relative to said device, said bearing member having support means including a rigid sleeve member surrounding said bearing member in an eccentric relationship for the player to hold in supporting and positioning said one prior to and while striking said ball.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 774,621 11/1904 Van Setres 27324 953,167 3/1910 Furey 273--24 2,931,649 4/1960 Furda 27323 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,200,121 12/1959 France.

1,978 1/ 1906 Great Britain.

RICHARD C. PINKHAM, Primary Examiner. T. ZACK, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 273-23 

